Taipans
First aid for taipan envenomation is pressure-immobilisation.
Signs and Symptoms
The onset of severe symptoms can be rapid in cases of taipan envenomation. Signs and symptoms of taipan or inland taipan are:
- Neurological impairment
- Paralysis
- Incoaguable blood
- Rhabdomyolysis is a feature of taipan envenomation, but likely to be of lesser clinincal significance
Treatment
First aid for taipan envenomation consits of a pressure bandage and immobilisation. In cases where a pressure bandage has been applied correctly, it can be left in situ indefinitely while the patient is feeling no discomfort as a result. If it becomes appropriate to remove a pressure bandage, it is necessary to have antivenom and haemostatic support ready. In severe cases, a patient may require ventilatory support.
Antivenom is indicated for any clinical manifestations of neurotoxicity or myolysis.
Antivenom
Taipan antivenom supplied by CSL Ltd is equine in origin. | Photo: R. Lowe, AVRU |
Photo: R. Lowe, AVRU 